Possibilités of participation of older people in continuous vocation training in Lithuania

Relevance: In developing dynamic and competitive economy particular importance is given to the skills that become fundamental in pursuing the enhancement of employment. Therefore it is a matter of great relevance to foster such skills and capacities that become indispensable for individuals in the versatile modern working environment to be able to perform various types of work in the knowledge based economy. Substantial challenge for Lithuania at present is to provide possibilities for on individual to study and upgrade acquired skills. Purpose of the research: The paper seeks to discuss the possibilities of older people to participate in continuous vocational training in Lithuania. Vocational training in contemporary Europe has been identified not only as the mean whereby states can both retain their competitive economic edge, but also achieve social cohesion and stability. Employees' skills must be constantly renewed enable for them to meet the challenges of ever-evolving technologies, increasing internationalization and demographic changes. Demographic factors (e.g., the preponderance of older people) have caused people to stay in the labour market longer, therefore both the rapid development of technologies and the increase in required information necessitate continuous learning. As a member of the European Union, both the Lithuanian government and its citizens face many challenges and must acquire the ability to meet new responsibilities. The development of vocational training has become very important in order to stay in employment and successfully pursue a career. The National Strategy To Overcome Ageing Consequences approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in 2004 stresses the insufficient attention in Lithuanian educational policy to the problems of vocational training of older people, and that society is little aware of the importance of lifelong learning. [...]